The galaxy of workplace technology: What to prioritize in your investments

Technology is a driving force in today’s workplace, but not all technology is well suited for work. Business leaders face the challenge providing the latest devices and applications that employees want while ensuring those technologies provide the right combination of control and interoperability that businesses and IT teams need.

It’s not as simple as purchasing and distributing the newest generations of consumer-favorite devices and handing them out to your team. To truly equip your business and empower your employees with the right workplace technology, consider the following:

Enterprise security

Security is the cornerstone of any business technology strategy. As cyber threats evolve, businesses face risks ranging from data breaches and ransomware attacks to unauthorized access and phishing attempts. These threats can infiltrate various vectors, including malicious apps, unsecured networks, and seemingly benign email attachments. To mitigate cyber risks and safeguard sensitive information, businesses must prioritize devices that offer robust, multi-layered security.

Samsung addresses security concerns with its Knox security platform, which integrates protection directly into the hardware of every Galaxy device — including wearables. And now, Knox Manage platform, a cross-platform enterprise mobility management solution, now allows IT administrators to remotely configure, track and manage wearable devices, such as smartwatches.

Knox begins with a secure boot process that verifies the integrity of the operating system and protects device data from the moment it’s turned on. Knox provides defense-grade protection that extends throughout the device’s lifecycle by embedding security at the chip level. This offers a foundation of trust that software-based solutions alone can’t quite achieve.

Beyond hardware, Knox also provides robust management tools that enable IT teams to separate personal and corporate data on the same device. This delineation is essential in today’s workplace, where employees prefer to carry just one mobile device for both work and personal use. Knox’s ability to create isolated work environments ensures that corporate information remains secure while personal data and apps are kept separate.

Integrated with leading mobile device management (MDM) providers, Knox offers businesses the flexibility to securely manage their entire device fleet, whether through Knox as the primary MDM solution or in conjunction with platforms like Microsoft Intune. The hardware-based security and advanced management capabilities allow businesses to protect their data effectively and appropriately.

Workplace mobility

Now that remote work, hybrid models, and flexible schedules are the norm, mobile devices have evolved from being an extension of the workplace to the center of it. Employees are no longer confined to desks and office buildings; they now have the ability — and the expectation — to work anywhere. But remember, not all technology is designed for business. That’s especially true of mobile devices.

For a mobile device to be business-ready, it must first have the enterprise security explained above. Then, it needs PC-like features that make it feel less like a traditional mobile phone and more like an all-in-one device for the office, home office, and working on the go.

Samsung has consistently demonstrated its focus on and commitment to business users by integrating both security and productivity tools into its flagship devices.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6 is perhaps the most powerful mobile device for business, with its foldable tablet display in a pocket-sized form factor, functionality and features that enable multitasking, note-taking, hands-free videoconferencing, and mobile-powered desktop computing far beyond screen mirroring. Galaxy Z Flip6 is another popular pick, especially for employees, as an even more compact foldable device. You might also consider Galaxy S Series, now on its 24^th generation, as yet another sleek and powerful option.

AI capabilities

When artificial intelligence (AI) went mainstream, Samsung quickly identified what that meant for businesses. As organizations of all types and sizes explore how to integrate AI in their operations, there is hesitancy around security and data protection. While business leaders want to embrace the power of generative AI, it needs to be done without the uncertainty or risk of that data being compromised.

In 2024, recognizing the convergence of AI, workplace mobility, and enterprise security, Samsung introduced Galaxy AI,* the world’s first native AI capability on a mobile device. With Galaxy AI, businesses can use AI capabilities without wondering about security concerns.

Convenient features like Circle to Search with Google use cloud processing for enhanced functionality, while protecting data with Knox cloud solutions. Meanwhile, general AI-powered tasks such as generating meeting transcripts and organizing notes run on a built-in large language model (LLM) to keep that data on the device, protected by Knox. If desired, there is even an option to quickly go into the device settings and turn off cloud processing.

Having launched the first mobile AI platform and implemented the first round of customer feedback, Samsung is well-positioned to be the leader in mobile AI for business going forward.

Employee wellness

The right business technology strategy can enhance employees’ productivity and their work-life balance. For businesses, prioritizing employee wellness fosters a positive company culture that, in turn, drives productivity and employee retention. Wearables are becoming increasingly common in employee wellness programs to give employees real-time data on their health and fitness through stylish and technology-enabled devices.

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch7, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Galaxy Ring, for example, allow users to monitor their activity levels, heart rate, sleep patterns and more. With its rugged design and long battery life, Galaxy Watch Ultra is ideal for those who engage in intense physical activities, offering insights into everything from VO2 max to recovery times. Meanwhile, Galaxy Ring provides a more subtle yet equally empowering way to track health, with a sleek design that fits seamlessly into daily life, offering detailed metrics on sleep quality, activity levels and overall wellness.

Continuity

When you have many devices throughout your organization, continuity is essential at both the individual and enterprise levels. Sticking with one brand like Samsung helps create a natural flow and streamlined experience from one device to the next. Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, wearable or PC, each device enhances the functionality of the others. Otherwise, you may hinder productivity despite your intentions to enhance it.

Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem is designed with seamless connectivity in mind. For instance, when you power up your Galaxy PC, it instantly recognizes your Galaxy phone, allowing you to pick up exactly where you left off — whether responding to email, editing documents or participating in a videoconference. Add Galaxy Buds3 or Buds3 Pro to instantly connect sound on whichever Samsung device you’re using. This integration also includes Samsung’s wearables, which sync effortlessly with your Galaxy phone and PC, providing real-time notifications, health data and even the ability to control your other devices right from your wrist.

With security in place and your selected devices on hand, continuity maximizes your investment in workplace technology and employee productivity. With Samsung, you have a true technology infrastructure that your business can continue to build on for the future.

Maximize productivity for your business with workplace technology such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6 today. Explore exclusive business pricing, discounts, financing options and other deals on smartphones, tablets and more through Samsung Business Direct.

*Galaxy AI features by Samsung will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices.